ThinkPad T431s laptop from Lenovo

The ThinkPad line of laptops means business, and this 14-inch laptop from Lenovo is a firm addition to the product line. It won't win any beauty contests with the black matte finish typical of ThinkPad products but fans will be pleased.

The T431s is a thin (0.81 inch), light (3.6 lbs) ThinkPad with some unique design choices that make this 14-inch laptop a good choice, especially for the enterprise. That's the usual target for ThinkPads so the T431s is likely to be a popular choice.

ThinkPad construction

The T431s has the typical high-quality construction designed to meet high standards. The carbon fiber used adds strength while keeping the weight down to a minimum.

At only 0.81 inches thick, the laptop is very easy to carry and will fit in almost any gear bag with a big pocket.

Thin display

The thin profile is possible due to the thin display on the ThinkPad T431s as seen in this photo. The display is not the brightest on the market at 250 nits, but the viewing angles are decent.

The keyboard is good as is expected on a ThinkPad and the unique trackpad is over-sized. More on the trackpad later.

Chiclet keyboard, glass trackpad

Lenovo has perfected the laptop keyboard and the one on the T431s is as good as any of them. The chiclet keys have good travel and typing is a good experience.

The keyboard has the expected red trackpoint stick in the middle for those who prefer that control over the trackpad. The trackpad is made of glass and has a good feel for controlling the cursor and performing the gestures for operating Windows 8.

180 degree display hinge

Lenovo has introduced a number of laptops with unusual lid hinges, the Yogas come to mind, and it seems designers couldn't help putting one on the T431s. This lid opens a full 180 degrees for those who find that useful, although this writer can't think of a use for it. It does mean that the display can be adjusted to any angle to suit any user.

Sealed battery

The bottom of the ThinkPad T431s is sealed, meaning the battery is not user replaceable. This has become standard for most laptops so it's not unusual. The only unique thing on the bottom of the unit is the proprietary dock connector, indicating a dock option should be available at some point.

Left side ports

Lenovo has included a number of ports on the T431s in spite of the thin casing.

Right side ports

From left-to-right:

Fan louvers, miniDisplayport, USB 3.0 (powered)

Trackpad and Trackpoint stick

ThinkPads are famous for the red Trackpoint stick and the T431s has one embedded in the keyboard. The expected three buttons to use with the Trackpoint are missing as the trackpad steps in to fill those functions (detailed on next slide).

The oversized trackpad has a glass surface making it very easy to slide the finger to control the cursor. The trackpad can be used for gesture control of Windows 8.

There is a small fingerprint reader on the lower right of the keyboard for user authentication.

5-button trackpad

The glass trackpad is very large for a laptop and includes a unique array of 5 mouse buttons. The top of the trackpad closest to the keyboard with the red trackpoint stick, has 3 buttons built into the trackpad. These function as the left, middle, and right buttons for the trackpoint and are indicated by thin red lines on the trackpad. The bottom of the trackpad has clickable integrated buttons for left and right mouse buttons while using the trackpad.

The trackpad senses multiple touch at the same time and it is possible to perform gestures to control various functions of Windows 8.

Chiclet keyboard, glass trackpad

Lenovo has perfected the laptop keyboard and the one on the T431s is as good as any of them. The chiclet keys have good travel and typing is a good experience.

The keyboard has the expected red trackpoint stick in the middle for those who prefer that control over the trackpad. The trackpad is made of glass and has a good feel for controlling the cursor and performing the gestures for operating Windows 8.

James Kendrick has been using mobile devices since they weighed 30 pounds, and has been sharing his insights on mobile technology for almost that long. Prior to joining ZDNet, James was the Founding Editor of jkOnTheRun, a CNET Top 100 Tech Blog that was acquired by GigaOM in 2008 and is now part of that prestigious tech network. James' w...
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